My first winter 14er summit. Damn was I tired! I remember Quandary being a walk in the park in July 2004. It's amazing what a ton of fresh snow with high winds will do to a mountain and your quads. Had the pleasure of climbing with fellow SPers Alan and Robert.

Somehow, hike seemed easier than Bierstadt even with a hangover from the disc golf tourney (awards ceremony) in Vail the day before. Really enjoyed the creaking stones grinding together underfoot. Great day for it; sunny and cool.

Due to inexplicably poor decision-making, this was the scariest time in the outdoors that I've ever had. Hiking alone, I'd driven from Denver and didn't start until early afternoon. Descent featured nearly constant and very close lightning, rain, and marble-sized hail.

I knew I was starting too late but did it anyway--not like me at all. Haven't repeated such a stupid decision since. Climbed Democrat the next day, and Cameron, Lincoln and Bross two days later.

I know its a sin but got a late start at the trailhead (10am). Made it to 500 feet of the summit before weather forced me down. After descending a 1000 feet to the end of the east ridge (to the timberline), weather cleared, turned around and summited and had the whole mountain to myself.

Tried an alternative approach to summit along the south face from just east of the lake dam. No existing route so finding the way was a little difficult. We had to tunnel through some shrubs along the lower portion of the climb, and on the upper portions of the mountain the loose rock was pretty treacherous. Fun climb despite having to walk all the way around the mountain on the descent.

Arrived in Denver Saturday morning. Went up Quandry (2nd successful summit) with Mountain Girl Sunday AM for acclimation in preperation for Sawatch climbs later in the week. The trail was like a city sidewalk with all the hikers! Encountered 3 seperate herds of mountain goats on the way down - the most I have ever seen on a 14er.